FC Barcelona vs. LA Galaxy
First Team Performance
Without Bravo, Daniel Alves, Neymar, Mascherano, or Messi, who are still resting after the season and the Copa America, and with Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal unable to play due to FIFA sanctions, Luis Enrique fielded two almost different teams in a match that seemed serious in the first half and turned into a friendly game in the second half due to the extreme weakness of the Galaxy team. Barcelona played in their usual 4-3-3 formation. This is how Luis Enrique's team played:
Masip
One could say that he could have played the match without using his hands. Impossible to judge him because the Galaxy did not demand anything from him. In the first half, it was due to Barcelona's seriousness, and in the second half, it was due to the Americans' incapacity. He played, or was present, for 70 minutes until he was substituted by José Suárez.
Douglas
He did not suffer in his position. In attack, he showed some deficiencies at the beginning, although he improved as the game progressed, trying to combine with Rafinha or Suárez. He gained confidence, and right at the start of the second half, he was close to scoring a good goal with his left foot. With Alves on vacation, Luis Enrique gave him a full 90 minutes. Perhaps a demonstration of trust from the Asturian coach, who said he wants to see the "Brazilian Douglas"...
Bartra
Like the rest of his defensive teammates, he had little work due to the Galaxy's lack of productivity in attack. In his position, he tried to clear the ball cleanly. He only had one quickly corrected mistake and, as usual, was dangerous in attack. He missed a header from a corner kick taken by Rakitic and participated in Suarez's goal with a back pass.
Mathieu
Solid. Robbie Keane focused more on Bartra's side, and Mathieu had little offensive participation. He did not suffer.
Adriano
Wanted by Roma, with whom he may have advanced negotiations despite Luis Enrique publicly announcing his intention not to let any players leave, he had some prominence. Rather than appearing unexpectedly, he carried the ball at times in his lane. He drew some fouls.
Busquets
Perfect. Captain in the first pre-season match, he made a couple of textbook steals, one of them against Gerrard. He was always in position and played with his usual composure.
Rakitic
Starting from his usual position as right midfielder, he began incisively. He looked for give-and-go passes and to partner with Luis Suárez. He took all set-piece opportunities with his usual danger, but his presence faded somewhat as the minutes passed.
Sergio Roberto
He came close to scoring in the first half with an excellent shot that sought the corner and was saved by Rowe. He found the goal in the second half with a close-range shot from inside the area. He played with the same dynamism as always. His challenge this season, once again, will be to have an impact in matches. He played 61 minutes and was substituted by Gumbau.
Rafinha
Started as a right winger, but he expresses himself better between the lines. There, he shows imagination and imbalance. He drew a yellow card from Leonardo after a great run and tried to score with some long-range shots without luck. He played 69 minutes and was substituted by Halilovic, the Croat sought after by Sevilla.
Luis Suárez
Started with a goal. Somewhat controversial because he could have used his hand to control the ball, but he played like a typical striker. He was tenacious, as always, and took on responsibilities that he usually doesn't have with Neymar and Messi. After his surreal preseason last year, in which he also had to wait until October to make his comeback, there are high expectations around him for this year.
Pedro
One of the players in the spotlight due to his uncertain future. He was incisive, as always, but he lacked the finishing touch. He always looked for Suárez and, as always, was very professional in defense.
SECOND HALF
Piqué
One of Barcelona's leaders last season, he has the challenge of continuity, which has always been the most difficult for him. He could have scored right at the start of the second half, but his shot hit Wolverton.
Vermaelen
We will have to judge his improvements and physical condition in another match. Technically, he is a well-equipped player and cleanly clears the ball. But his requirements will be different. In the last minute, Piqué covered for him.
Jordi Alba
One of the first to realize the weakness of the Galaxy team in the second half. He relaxed, and that's why he made a couple of unusual mistakes. Then he got into the game.
Samper
Reliable. He came into the game fully focused and was very active in the opening minutes of the second half. He has good distribution skills, although he lacks some physical qualities.
Iniesta
He fulfilled his duties as the captain and star player. He paced himself, but that's enough for him to have a good performance. He made connections and some impressive passes.
Sandro
Active, but perhaps too focused on personal glory. Some senseless shots, although he was also hardworking. And almost at the end, a powerful shot hit the crossbar.
Munir
Quiet. He played in the center-forward position. It's hard to see him with the same enthusiasm he had when he first appeared last season. His development should be observed.
Gumbau
He substituted Sergi Roberto and was quickly kicked. By the time he came on, the game was already broken. Few opportunities to evaluate him.
Halilovic
He had 20 minutes. His game is straightforward. He makes runs from the left trying to find combinations, a final pass, or take a shot. He often tries to make the decisive play, but lacks composure. Individualistic.
José Suárez
The academy goalkeeper played for Masip for 20 minutes, and in the first minute, he did what Masip did not have to do. Clear a dangerous ball after one of Jordi Alba's mistakes. He couldn't do anything on Meyer's goal.